Share

Diana - Seven days that shook the world

Cape Town - At 03:00 on 31 August 1997, Princess Diana was declared dead following a tragic and controversial car accident. 

The public grief was instantaneous and unprecedented.  Sports events were cancelled, thousands flocked to London to pay their respects and a 50-foot carpet of flowers sprung up outside Kensington Palace.

Amid this public outpouring of grief, the Royal family elected to remain out of the public eye, at their family estate in Balmoral. They failed to fly the Buckingham Palace flag at half-mas and chose not to make an appearance for days.  As tensions grew, the relationship between the British monarchy and the public was at a long-term low.

In the two part Seven Days that shook the world starting Sunday 13 August at 18:00 on BBC Lifestyle (DStv Channel 174), reveals the fraught preparations and negotiations involved, as the monarchy and their advisors struggled to protect Prince William and Harry, appease the public and plan a high-profile funeral at Westminster Abbey.

With exclusive access to key players, the story is told by Diana’s staff, top Downing Street advisors, journalists, experts and members of the public.

Led by unique personal testimony, this series explore the practical and emotional implications of the week, and examines how Diana’s death helped preserve the British monarchy’s future.

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE